ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ACCULTURATION MODES AND TYPE 2 DIABETES AMONG NATIVE HAWAIIANS
- Joseph Keawe‘aimoku Kaholokula, Ph.D. (kaholoku{at}hawaii.edu)1,,2,
- Andrea H. Nacapoy3,
- Andrew Grandinetti, Ph.D.2,,4 and
- Healani K. Chang, Dr.PH2,,5,,6
- 1Department of Native Hawaiian Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- 2Native Hawaiian Health Research Project, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- 3Department of Psychology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- 4Public Health Sciences and Epidemiology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- 5Pacific Biosciences Research Center, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
- 6Division of Ecology and Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Abstract
Objective: To examine the association between acculturation modes (integrated, assimilated, traditional, and marginalized) and type 2 diabetes prevalence in Native Hawaiians.
Research Design And Methods: Cross-sectional data was analyzed from 495 Native Hawaiians to include acculturation modes, diabetes status, triglycerides, fasting insulin, BMI, age, and education level. Acculturation modes were assessed using an 8-item cultural affiliation questionnaire.
Results: Native Hawaiians in a traditional mode of acculturation were more likely to have type 2 diabetes (27.9%) compared to those in an integrated (15.4%), assimilated (12.5%), and marginalized (10.5%) mode.
Conclusions: The higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes among Native Hawaiians in a traditional mode of acculturation could not be attributed to any of the socio-demographic or biological factors included in this study. We discuss the role of psychosocial factors as possible mediators in the relationship between acculturation modes and type 2 diabetes.
Footnotes
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- Received August 7, 2007.
- Accepted January 8, 2008.
- Copyright © American Diabetes Association
